Bevanda: Security of BH Citizens is Our Priority

Chairman of the Council of Ministers of BIH Vjekoslav Bevanda received in Sarajevo a delegation of the USA, led by Deputy Coordinator of the Bureau of Counterterrorism under the State Department Justin Siberell and Deputy Manager of the National Counterterrorism Center Nick Rasmussen, with whom he discussed the security situation in BIH and the region. 

Chairman Bevanda highlighted the determination of the Council of Ministers of BIH to support an institutionalised fight against terrorism and all forms of violence. He informed the US delegation that the Council of Ministers defined Amendments to the BIH Criminal Code, providing for stricter sanctions against those BIH citizens and groups engaged in organisation of departure and participation in armed clashes abroad. Also, the Council of Ministers of BIH defined and forwarded to a parliamentarian procedure a proposal law on prevention money laundry of and financing of terrorism, annulling all money flows intended to support terrorist activities.

Deputy Coordinator of the Bureau of Counterterrorism under the State Department Justin Siberell said the USA appreciates the efforts taken by the Council of Ministers of BIH in the fight against terrorism. He said that the international and cross-institutional cooperation is the only right way to respond to the emerging global security challenges. In regard to that the USA are engaged in consultations with all key partners in the region, so as to lift the cooperation at a higher level. He emphasised that joint partner actions, effective cross-border cooperation and timely preparation of adequate legal solutions are the key elements of fight against terrorism.

Chairman Bevanda stressed that there is a general consensus within BIH for fight against terrorism and maintenance of peace and security.

“Security of our citizens is our zero priority”, Chairman Bevanda said, noting that all security agencies in BIH enjoy a full support of the Council of Ministers of BIH in their anti-terrorist efforts.

(end)